"I feel like that was one of the better heats I've won in a really long time," he told World Surf League media. "I found one extra gear on my last wave to get around that section and get the score I needed and it feels really good."

Wilson is nursing an injured shoulder, sustained in a mountain biking accident in late January.

He still managed to win the season-opening event earlier this month. Since then he's relished having some quality time with family, including his one-month-old daughter.

"In between Snapper and here I was on daddy duties and loving spending every minute with my baby girl Olivia and my wife Ashley," he said.

"I'm missing them but I'm loving being in the position I'm in (leading the tour) and having the opportunity to surf down here."

Wilson also said he'd like to meet good friend Mick Fanning in a heat there. The latter is in his farewell event.